What is sexual orientation?

What is sexual orientation? A Google image search returned only gay and lesbian content as the top results. When sexual orientation comes up in casual conversation it most often refers to sexual minorities. And, in the case of Alberta's recent bill 44, which this entry is not about, it also refers to sexual minorities. The reason most people think this way is a result of heteronormativity whereby heterosexuality is normal, accepted, and expected.

Recently I had a discussion with a supervisor at work regarding my homosexuality, she felt I should downplay or hide it in professional settings. To clarify, I don't parade around the office wearing rainbows screaming I'm a homo. She feels that me being open about my sexual orientation makes some people uncomfortable, especially if I even mention being gay, having a partner, attending any gay related events, or even commenting on recent politics during casual discussion. She basically asked me to never speak about anything gay, it hurt!

I spent the next twenty minutes explaining to her that I refuse to deny, hide, or otherwise lie about my sexual orientation in order to comfort a bigot. I had defined how one's sexual orientation is a huge component of who they are which includes family structure, family relations, political views (if you're not apathetic), and possibly even where you go out on the weekend to play pool and have a beer. Here is where the "what is sexual orientation" further comes in. She said I talk too much about going to gay events, my boyfriend, and myself, all the while alluding that its me who makes people uncomfortable, not their ignorance and hate.

To her my sexual orientation makes people feel awkward. To her me talking about my life makes people feel awkward. What I have been thinking of since is how she feels sexual orientation makes people feel uncomfortable, but what she really meant by it is being gay makes people feel uncomfortable. Damn you heteronormativity, sexual orientation includes hetero's too! It's horrible that homophobes and heterosexist people can hide under the politically correct term sexual orientation to exclude homosexuals.

Political correctness is defined as "avoidance of expressions or actions that can be perceived to exclude or marginalize or insult people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against" (Princeton). Yet here is an example where it does the opposite of its ideal.

“Political correctness does not legislate tolerance; it only organizes hatred” -- Jacques Barzun

Pride

Generally Pride festivals are fun and celebratory of sexual and gender diversity with a dash of activism but too many of us seem to be completely forgetting our roots of activism and social justice. The Alberta CONservative majority government is making this painfully aware to me and many others. The recent passing of Bill 44 and the de-listing of gender reassignment surgery have slightly changed the atmosphere of this year's Pride in Edmonton (June 13, 2009). I am proud to say I was one of those contributing to this change.

Myself and a small group of other concerned citizens organized a bit of a protest during the celebration on the square. Celebration on the square features drag performances, speakers, and other entertainment. This year Heather Klimchuk, CONservative MLA and Minister of Service Alberta, was invited to speak at our event. The Pride Week Society most likely invited her to be inclusive, after all the queer community knows all about exclusion; however, they must have expected some protest to her presence.

Our group organizing the protest got a hold of a couple megaphones, made some tee shirts, and made some signs. We focused on repealing bill 44 and re-listing GRS, not directly targeting Heather, just her party. We planned to hold up our signs and begin some chants as she spoke. "Don't teach my kids about heterosexuality" was my sign, although I don't have kids, it's the idea that counts lol.

The protest could have been better if we could have had got more people involved but we had to keep it on the down low as to keep Heather from finding out, wouldn't want her to chicken out now would we? I feel it was a success, we still managed to be visibly against her government and, to some extent, her presence at our event.

Being an activist is not only fulfilling as I actively and publicly stand up for my values, but it also gives me the right to complain about policies and government actions I disagree with. I've never missed voting in an election since I was first able to at the age of 18, which is very rare here in Canada. If we all stood up for equality and human rights it would be a reality easier to achieve. However, apathy, both political and social, remains a huge problem in our society.

One of my biggest peeves is when people complain about how they're treated or what the government is doing and don't vote or do anything about it. I know so many GLBTQ people who are like this, it saddens me. Just 40 years ago homosexuality was illegal in this country. Countless numbers of people have devoted their lives to the fight for equal rights and acceptance, yet so many young people are now taking it all for granted. This fight will not resolve in our lifetimes, bill 44 has made it obvious.

Here is a video of the photos I took of the parade and celebration on the square.

A sad day for Alberta

"One step forward, two steps backwards," commented a member of the opposition during the third reading of Bill 44.

I am very saddened with the passing of this bill. Alberta's image as a province of conservative hicks now holds more truth. I recorded the audio of the reading. Its been a late night for democracy, its past 1:00 AM, I'm off to bed.